How to Be a Role Model: Mirna Valerio

Ultrarunner Mirna Valerio is a role model for many because by doing what she loves, she shows others what is possible. She’s modeling being a black, fat girl running, moving her body up and over mountains. Which begs the question - what are you modeling for others?

Women featured in this episode: Mirna Valerio, AKA "The Mirnavator." Mirna is a full-time ultrarunner, author, and public speaker. She blogs at Fat Girl Running and Runner's World.

Want to meet Mirna in person? Our friend Shanti Hodges is hosting a retreat in October. Learn more here and take $50 off with the code, 'SheExplores' at checkout!

Hosted by Gale Straub

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why when Mirna coached high school students, she taught them to love running as a lifestyle


• How Mirna answers the oft-dreaded question, "What do you do?"


• How nature and trail running impacts Mirna personally


• The ways in which joy and suffering balance each other in ultrarunning


• Why it's important to put in the work, but why it's also important to rest and listen to your body


• Why Mirna doesn't believe changing one's outward appearance leads to happiness


• How our culture uplifts a certain beauty standard, and the ways in which Mirna believes this is changing


• What she's learned from other plus-sized women about what they want their outdoor apparel to be like


• What Mirna thinks about being a role model for others


• Who Mirna looks up to in her everyday life


• Advice for listeners on how they can be a role model

Sponsors & Codes:

• Benchmark Maps: use code SHEEXPLORES for 20% off your order


• Sawyer: Enter giveaway at She-Explores.com/sawyer


• World Nomads: Check out their podcast at Worldnomads.com/podcasts

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Mirna Valerio's Instagram


• Mirna Valerio's Memoir: A Beautiful Work in Progress


• The Mirnavator - Short Film produced by REI and directed by Sarah Menzies


• Mirna's blog, Fat Girl Running


• Submit your story of going solo in the outdoors!


• She Explores Facebook Group

Music is by Lee Rosevere, Kai Engel, and Steve Combs via Free Music Archive (CC by A license)

Music is also by Memory Palace.